Round two of Batten Down the hatches

I think Jim was saying that Newfoundland was the only place where people chartered planes and came back to visit, not that it was the only place planes were diverted to!!!!!

Rosemary in Melbourne, Australia

You are totally WRONG Jim - Moncton took in quite a few planes too - our coliseum was full to the rafters with people from all over the world. They set up huge tv screens so people could watch what was happening. Many of these people couldn't speak a word of English. Huges lines of buffets were set up from some of our best hotels right there at the coliseum - no one went hunry for sure. They were all given cots and blankets - some wanted to stay there cuz some were very nervous they might miss their flights. There was a calling for volunteers to take people home with them cuz the arena was full and the good Monctonians came to the rescue - in fact, they had to turn away volunteers - there were so many good people offering their homes out to these people - what a great outpouring of help from our community. I think Halifax got more planes than we did - my sister was able to take in a couple of pilots. It was quite an exciting time around here for sure.

Sharon (N.B.)

I should probably let Jim respond to these posts, but my understanding of what he said was, Newfoundland was the only place in Canada to have three chartered planes loads of people from the US, return to Newfoundland to show their gratitude for the hospitality they had received. Not that they were the only province who took in these aircraft who were rejected by the US and Upper Canada. As pointed out, it was Gander not St. Johns who hosted most of these people. Both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were exceptional warm hosts during this stressful time and I'm sure many good friendships were established.

As for the lack of positive response to Canada from Mr. Bush.............'nuf said!

Mavia

Even that isn't correct. One of the families here came back and started a great scholarship and regularly (even as far on as this past summer) local television and radio do interviews with people visiting their host families, often mention is made that the first step was the people from here visiting them. It's somewhat akin to you in Melbourne being definite about what went on in Perth ten years ago!

Mostly at the time he kept reiterating that the 'terrorists' crossed the border from Canada. Even when the press were showing pics of them training to be pilots in Florida - we knew then how much he loved and appreciated Canada. It was like a bucket of cold water in our faces.

I remember seeing a photo of the Halifax runway packed with planes nose to tail with. They couldn't squeeze another one in.

Many life-long friendships developed from the 9-11 tragedy, and many people discovered a wonderful part of Canada.

MargW

Yes many people remarked that they were completely amazed that strangers would come and pick them up, however many they could handle, and take them home.

I regret I didn't get a pic of Stanfield airport, they were parked like ships in a line.